To live only for some future goal is shallow. It's the sides of

"To live only for some future goal is shallow. It's the sides of the mountain that sustain life, not the top." These profound words from Robert M. Pirsig strike at the heart of the human condition, challenging us to reconsider our constant striving for the distant peak of success and achievement. In an age obsessed with goals, ambitions, and the relentless pursuit of the top, Pirsig reminds us that it is not the summit that gives life its meaning, but the journey—the slow, steady, and at times laborious climb, which is where the real growth and joy are found. Just as the sides of a mountain sustain the climber, so too does life find its nourishment in the present moment, in the experiences that unfold as we move forward, not in the distant, often elusive future.

Reflect for a moment on the ancient hero’s journey, a theme that spans time and culture. The heroes of myth, like Hercules or Odysseus, did not merely race toward their final destinations. Their paths were filled with trials, encounters, and moments of transformation. The wisdom they gained was not acquired from the moment of victory but through the hardships of the journey, the people they met, and the lessons learned along the way. Their triumphs were the result of embracing the journey itself, of finding meaning in the process rather than the end. The lesson is clear: it is not the end of the quest that gives life its fullness, but the living, breathing moments that fill the days of the hero's path.

In the story of Mahatma Gandhi, we see the embodiment of this principle. Gandhi's life’s work was centered on the vision of Indian independence, a distant goal that would require years of perseverance and sacrifice. Yet, throughout his struggle, Gandhi emphasized the importance of the present—the daily actions of nonviolent resistance, the simple acts of kindness, and the willingness to confront injustice in the smallest moments. While the end goal of freedom was critical, it was the struggle, the journey itself, that became the crucible of his wisdom and strength. His life was a testament to the truth that it is in the journey that we become who we are meant to be.

In the hustle of today’s world, we are often told that success lies just beyond the horizon—that once we achieve a certain goal, we will finally be happy, fulfilled, or content. But how many have reached that goal, only to find that the promised fulfillment never arrived? The mountain top is often not as satisfying as we imagine, and many are left wondering: what is left when we reach the summit? It is Pirsig’s wisdom that guides us here: that it is the sides of the mountain, the quiet moments of the climb, that nourish the soul. These are the moments that build our character, teach us resilience, and allow us to truly experience the joy of life.

Think of the life of Leonardo da Vinci, whose quest for knowledge and creation never ceased. Da Vinci is celebrated for his masterpieces, such as the Mona Lisa, but it was not the finished painting that defined his genius. It was his ceaseless curiosity, his experiments, and his fascination with the process of creation that sustained him. Leonardo did not simply seek the final product; he reveled in the process of discovery. His life reminds us that life is a journey, and it is in the pursuit of understanding, growth, and innovation that we find our deepest satisfaction, not merely in the recognition or the end result.

Pirsig’s words also point us toward the importance of mindfulness—a quality that encourages us to be present in each moment, to savor the steps of our climb rather than anxiously look to the summit. In our world of distractions and constant pressure to achieve more, we often forget that the greatest joy does not lie in reaching the top but in living fully on the way up. The sides of the mountain—the struggles, the small victories, the encounters with others—are where life happens. It is through these that we build the inner strength and wisdom necessary for the journey, and only through embracing this path can we truly appreciate what life offers.

The lesson Pirsig offers us is one of embracing the present and finding purpose in the journey itself. We are often so focused on the future that we neglect the rich experiences unfolding in the present. To live fully is to walk the sides of the mountain with awareness, to seek growth in the process, and to recognize that the pursuit of goals is not an end but a continuous path. Let us resolve to live each day with intention, to find meaning not only in what we hope to achieve but in how we approach the climb. And when we reach the summit, we will find that it is not the end of the journey but a new beginning, marked by the wisdom gained from the steps we took along the way.